ATM Daily 2018 - Day 3

DAY 3 Fast forward to the future From modern traveller behaviours to tech innovations dominating the hotel landscape, industry experts share some of the game-changing concepts they see on the horizon

Top trends shaping the travel industry’s future have been revealed by a host of experts from leading technology, design, hotel and consultancy firms at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

From patterns that characterise today’s Middle East traveller to key factors shaping the hospitality sector, day two of the show gave visitors an insight into what to expect over the next few years as travellers demand more. Focal points included greater personalisation, choice, brand engagement, intuitive service and immersive experiences that have been tailored to suit travellers’ needs and preferences.

In its ‘Consumer Travel Report 2018 – Middle East’, technology provider Amadeus

revealed how Middle East travellers are rapidly evolving. The in-depth study, launched yesterday in collaboration with InsightOut Consultancy, identified the latest booking and search trends, top consumer considerations when booking travel packages and motivation for travel, all with a local perspective. It found that in the GCC, 63 percent of women were the sole decision makers when planning travel.

Cristina Polo, Engagement Lead & Analyst – GCC, InsightOut Consultancy, added that 68 percent of the region’s travellers were married with children, making family travel “more relevant in this part of the world than anywhere else”.

“From a marketing point of view, we

must talk to women and take into consideration their children’s desires and interests,” she said.

Ernesto S. Beaumont, Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Management, Amadeus, stressed that 75 percent of Middle East travellers were aged between 21 and 40, while future travellers – those aged below 15 – accounted for more than onethird of the region’s population.

“We can expect this group to become more relevant in the travel sector in the near future,” he said.

Sabre Travel Network also shed light on the region’s travel patterns, with the tech firm’s Middle East Vice President Raymond Vrijenhoek noting that smartphones would increasingly dominate the search and booking process. More than 60 percent of travel searches in MENA are conducted by mobile, while transactions by mobile will grow 44 percent annually, he added.

Meanwhile, Engy Naguib, Consulting Manager at global market intelligence firm Euromonitor International, highlighted hotel industry trends during her presentation in the Showcase Theatre.

She suggested that many disruptors which are currently considered threats, from peer-to-peer providers like Airbnb to rising distribution and technology costs, will become opportunities over the next five years.

“If you can’t beat them, buy them to attract millennials,” said Naguib, referring to Hyatt’s purchase of the Oasis room-sharing service, predicting more hotel firms would follow suit.

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China takes the spotlight All eyes are on China at this year’s ATM amid a boom in tourism between the Far East nation and leading Middle East destinations, particularly the UAE. Of the 100 new exhibitors taking part in this year’s show, several hail from China including Guizhou Province of China, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Macao Government Tourism Office and tour operator Haiyou Voyage. Together, they form one of the biggest Chinese delegations in ATM’s 25-year history.

At the same time, more Chinese visitors are exploring the region than ever before,

with China becoming one of Dubai’s top five feeder markets in 2017, delivering 764,000 overnight tourists. This figure is up 41 percent on 2016 numbers, supported by the UAE’s recently relaxed visa rules for Chinese citizens.

ATM’s conference programme has delivered strategies to help the Middle East travel industry attract more business from this lucrative and fast-growing market.

Chloé Reuter, Founder and CEO of Reuter Communications, a Shanghai-based

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Welcome

A glimpse into the future CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hotels should also invest in AI, collecting data to predict guest demands and acting intuitively to improve customer service and personalisation, stressed Naguib.

She also added that blockchain technology provided them with a new distribution option that bypassed costly Online Travel Agencies and enhanced engagement and loyalty.

The debate didn’t end there, with five leading executives from major hospitality, hotel design and travel technology firms discussing the ‘Hotel Landscape of the Future’ on the Global Stage yesterday.

Topics included what guests will demand from their hotel stay in the future and how data will be used to take personalisation to the next level, as well as how hotel venues will evolve to improve

guest satisfaction, marrying space with privacy and human interaction with technology.

Distribution and brand differentiation strategies were also on the agenda, while Hilton revealed some of its latest technology including Digital Key, using smartphones instead of key cards to unlock hotel rooms. The hotel firm’s Senior Vice President, Brand and Franchise Operations, EMEA, John Rogers, suggested that with mobile representing around one-third of travel-related sales and growing by approximately 15 percent annually, “adapting the customer experience to mobile and personal technology” would be “a key characteristic of successful travel brands in years to come”.

“This means reducing the time between consumer desire and completed action, via features such as pre-ordering and speedy check-in,” Rogers added.

Guido De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott

International, said hotels would need to “focus on experiences rather than transactions”, while Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group, said digital transformation was essential, but hoteliers must “make it real and tangible” to ensure it added value.

Richard Wiegmann, Managing Director & Chief Commercial Officer EMEA, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, said today’s guests expect a “flawless journey”, and called on hotel groups to emulate online retail giant Amazon to “improve their digital marketing and distribution solutions to reach and retain their worldwide customers more effectively”.

Hoteliers should also look toward design concepts from the retail world and re-think how they use their hotel spaces in the future, according to Tom Skyring, Design Director at global design consultancy firm Wilson Associates.

Skyring added that spaces should “not only be utilised to drive revenue, but also guest satisfaction”.

booking flights, you will be doing that through your smartphone,” she explained. “Around 90 percent of Chinese travellers would gladly pay with mobile, WeChat or AliPay if they had the opportunity.”

It was also good news for the region’s hospitality sector, with Mark Kirby, General Manager, Armani Hotel Dubai, revealing that guest numbers from China, which is now its biggest market, increased by 70 percent in 2017.

To build on this momentum, the high-end property is working with Chinese travel companies to target affluent travellers, and this month it is launching on popular social media platforms WeChat and WeiBo. This move taps into China’s ‘word of mouth’ trend, which tends to dominate how its citizens make travel decisions, according to Zan Wu, CEO of Zanadu, China’s invitation-only travel website.

His advice for attracting more Chinese tourists is firstly to “build a product around unique experiences and make sure the market knows it exists”. Secondly, ensuring this experience receives a “high satisfaction rate” is essential if you aim to have Chinese travellers become your brand or destination advocates.

Both speakers suggested that targeted marketing in the run-up to Chinese public holidays would deliver positive results.

China takes the spotlight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

agency that helps brands connect with China’s affluent consumers, ran two sessions on how to target millennials and luxury travellers from China.

As she pointed out, Chinese millennials have a sizeable disposable income and travelling overseas to seek new experiences is high on their priority list. With more than 50 percent of China’s outbound travellers in the Generation Y demographic, there has also been a huge shift from group travel to independent travel.

Reuter stressed that cash was pretty much obsolete in today’s China and that m-commerce was “now the way of life”, hinting that the Middle East market should adapt to this. “ W h e t h e r yo u ’re o rd e ring lunch, buying toothpaste or

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Contents 06 | News 18 | Seminar schedule 22 | Celebration time

ATM show party 24 | Air supply

Commercial airlines in the Gulf 26 | Time for reflection

Wellness and hospitality 30| Leading the way

Halal tourism 32 | Vox pops 18

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News

Al Hokair Group presents a host of new developments

Major expansion includes properties in Makkah, Tabuk and Istanbul Consolidating its partnership with some the world’s leading hospitality brands, Al Hokair Group has announced plans to expand rapidly in gateway business and leisure destinations across the Middle East.

Following the addition of 1,113 new rooms to its portfolio of hotels over the last 12 months, the group has increased its inventory of keys by approximately 25 percent from 4,548 rooms to 5,661 rooms.

Commenting on the substantial growth, Sami Al Hokair, Managing Director of Al Hokair Group, said: “Our expansion strategy is in line with the region’s growth and investment in the tourism sector. Our partnership with global hospitality brands such as Marriott International, IHG, AccorHotels, Radisson Hotel Group and Hilton gives us a unique edge over the competitors while leveraging our position as a market leader in the hospitality industry.

“The recent addition of new hotels; namely Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Residence, Istanbul Batisehir, Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Corniche, Park Inn by Radisson Jubail, MENA Plaza Al Barsha Dubai, MENA

Airport Hotel Jeddah, MENA ApartHotel Al Barsha Dubai, MENA Hotel Tabuk KSA and Jeddah Marriott Hotel (opening in 2019), has allowed us to penetrate new destinations like Makkah, Tabuk and Istanbul while growing our presence in existing territories.”

Omar Samara, CEO of Al Hokair Group, explained that the new additions will add to revenue and increase the market share of its Hotels Division.

He said: “We believe there is a tremendous potential for growth in the hospitality sector in spite of the current challenges in the market.

“Our long-term strategic partnerships are founded on compelling value propositions and business transparency. We aim to contribute positively to Vision 2030 as tourism and hospitality is a key pillar in the growth of the Saudi Arabia’s GDP.”

Sami Al Hokair

Haitham Murad, Managing Director of the Hotels Division at Al Hokair Group, added: “The addition of new hotels enhances our presence in the kingdom and beyond. We are always keen to provide quality service to our guests while preserving the principles of Arabian hospitality that sets us apart. We ensure guests’ comfort and satisfaction during their stay, thanks to a carefully selected team of experienced hospitality professionals.

“In addition, we invest heavily in the training of young Saudi men and women and in recruiting them into the vital hotel sector.”

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Swiss-Belhotel International sails into Tanzania

Sigrid de Mazieres

GCC market key for Germany The German National Tourist Board hopes that its presence at ATM will help the country secure close to a 5 percent increase in visitors from the GCC region.

Last year, Germany recorded 1.8 million overnight stays from the GCC and, as of January 2018, there has already been a 3.7 percent increase in visitors.

“Gulf countries are among the top 20 markets for Germany and we hope to see growth in arrivals of between 4 and 6 percent,” said Sigrid de Mazieres, Director for the Gulf Countries at the German National Tourist Office.

“The Middle East is very important for us and Germany is certainly in tune with the requirements of travellers from this region.”

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Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a management agreement with Zanzibar Crown Hotel and Resort Limited to operate the SwissBelresort Zanzibar. Expected to open for business in 2019, the resort will be the group’s debut in Tanzania, and within East Africa, which is witnessing a massive demand for quality hotels.

Located on an idyllic beach, SwissBelresort Zanzibar is being developed at an investment of US$25 million (AED91.8 million) on the prime Indian Ocean coastline, three kilometres from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and seven kilometres from the House of Wonders, Stone Town and Forodhani Gardens.

Commenting on the partnership, Nadhim Said Hamdan Al Rawahi, the owner of Zanzibar Crown Hotel and Resort Limited, said: “Zanzibar is the jewel of the Indian Ocean, where Africa meets Arabia, and we are delighted to expand our attractive local hospitality portfolio with Swiss-Belhotel International.

“With its fascinating beachfront location, Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar is perfectly situated to offer its guests a relaxing and enjoyable experience in this tropical paradise bursting with nature, culture, adventure and history.

“Embodying high-quality standards with world-class facilities, the hotel is

being developed to provide travellers with a unique opportunity to intimately connect to their surroundings, beaches, nature and the welcoming Swahili ‘Karibu’ atmosphere.”

Boasting 125 keys and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, SwissBelresort Zanzibar is being equipped with a wide range of facilities and entertainment activities to serve the varied needs of its guests. On site will be an all-day-dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a banquet hall, beach lounge, kids pool and club,

swimming pool, spa and health club, as well as a variety of water sports.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “We are very excited to expand our footprint in Africa with a historic and vibrant destination like Zanzibar. It is an extremely significant development for us and our first in East Africa, which is the continent’s most lucrative market for hotels.”

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News

AccorHotels to open first SO/ project in Dubai

AccorHotels has announced that its luxury brand SO/ will make its debut in the Middle East when the SO/ Uptown Dubai opens in late 2020, following an agreement signed with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

The property, which will boast 188 rooms and 215 branded residences, will be located within the city’s soon-to-launch Uptown Dubai district, situated in one of the

area’s tallest skyscrapers, currently being conceptualised by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture, the visionaries behind Burj Khalifa.

“Dubai is the perfect destination to launch SO/, one of our most sought-after luxury lifestyle brands, through our debut partnership with DMCC,” said Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East.

Sociable Earth presents survey on halal tourism

“As a brand, SO/ encapsulates the spirit of Dubai, reflecting its ambitious drive to reach unscalable heights, while celebrating the blend of cultures and experiences the city has to offer.

“The brand’s debut within Uptown Dubai’s first super-tall tower will undoubtedly position the property as a landmark within an increasingly competitive hospitality industry.”

The development’s SO/ Residences will be located on the uppermost floors of the building, with services including lifestyle concierges and in-residence dining. Each unit will also provide access to private facilities including the MIXO lounge, private fitness area and swimming pool.

Meanwhile, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, the Sky Bar & Lounge, a 1,400 square metre spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a swimming pool. It will also house an array of options for business guests, including a ballroom, boardrooms and a business centre.

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Haiyou Voyage showcases China’s must-visit attractions

Non-Muslim countries, especially those in the western world, can do more if they want to attract increasing numbers of global Muslim travellers, according to a new halal tourism survey, which was created to coincide with Arabian Travel Market.

A total of 35,000 Muslim travellers participated in the survey arranged

by Sociable Earth, an organisation that provides practical travel information to Muslim tourists.

“We felt there was a great need to understand Muslim travellers and we’re delighted to announce we created the largest survey ever conducted for Muslim travellers,” said Omar Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Sociable Earth.

“This survey gained us immense insight into the travel market and certainly the halal travel market that has graduated from its niche status to become an industryshaping force in its own right.”

The key findings of the study will be examined today from 11am during the ATM’s Global Stage session entitled ‘Halal Travel Becomes Mainstream’, part of the Global Halal Tourism Summit.

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One of the largest travel agencies in China, Haiyou Voyage has announced a new tour encompassing 11 cities and 31 major attractions that it hopes will draw more Middle Eastern travellers to the country.

With so much to explore across the vast nation, and much being done by the country as it bids to become a leading tourist destination, the company is keen to provide a glimpse into the many historical sites and modern attractions that can be found throughout China.

“With the development of globalisation, each country has a much closer connection as it becomes easier to travel. However, most people do not know where to start when it comes to

China so they need some help from travel agencies,” said Kevin Xiao, Inbound and Outbound Director of Haiyou Voyage.

“That is why our team have come up with a remarkable tour itinerary that includes trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Fenghuang Old Town, the Silk Road and many more destinations.

“In fact, there are so many attractions within China that people will find it almost impossible to see them all in one visit. So hopefully throughout ATM we can work with travel agencies within the Middle East to provide people in the region with the most professional analysis of China’s tourism offering.”

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News

Yas Experiences debuts as one-stop promotional hub for Yas Island Yas Experiences made its official debut at Arabian Travel Market as the recently launched entity detailed its plans to offer tailored package solutions that will facilitate and promote leisure and entertainment itineraries on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

With a head office on the island and regional offices in key markets including the GCC, India, China and Europe, the team of more than 30 experts will collaborate with

destination partners to tailor Yas Island packages for travel companies based on the latest holiday trends.

“The creation of Yas Experiences will help play a major role in driving Yas Island’s aspiration to become a global holiday destination of choice in Abu Dhabi,” said Marina Cipriano, General Manager, Yas Experiences.

“With the growing number of exciting leisure and entertainment experiences on offer, we aim to facilitate the work of our travel partners by providing packages that appeal to travellers in their markets, and promotional support services that guarantee their success, all through one trade hub.”

Initially launched in January, Yas Experiences has been active in building relationships with travel partners and expanding its operations. Most recently, the company opened new offices in Russia and the UK, as well as hosting 50 European travel partners for a special weekend of entertainment on Yas Island.

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Indonesia tourism targets 20 million visitors by 2019

The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is making a strong push to promote the Southeast Asian country at this year’s ATM, with the aim of welcoming 20 million visitors by 2019.

The Ministry of Tourism is showcasing key destinations, including travel hotspots such as Bali, Lombok, Jakarta and Sumatra, presenting the country’s highlights under the theme ‘Indonesia’s Wonders’.

These include Adventurous Wonders, such as diving and hiking destinations, and Natural Wonders,

such as Komodo National Park.

In order to meet ambitious tourism targets, infrastructure development is a top priority. Currently, there are 15 new airports being planned, 13 passenger terminals under renovation and 27 runways set for expansion.

The Ministry of Tourism is also hoping to enhance Indonesia’s profile as a world-class MICE destination, with a particular focus on Bali and Jakarta as key business hubs.

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News

Horseracing – Sport of Kings showcases its unique offering

Horseracing – Sport of Kings attended ATM for the very first time as it presented a series of luxury travel itineraries for the summer that focus on five highprofile English racecourses: Ascot, Chester, Newmarket, Windsor and York.

Each destination presents an opportunity for travellers to sample at least one race meeting, go behind the scenes at the event, stay in luxury accommodation and explore

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all that the cities have to offer.

Created exclusively for the GCC market, visitors will be able to attend world-famous race days such as the Royal Ascot meeting and the Dante Festival at York, while also enjoying VIP tours of stud farms and training stables.

All itineraries are designed to be flexible, with bespoke packages on offer providing chauffeur-driven cars, or even private helicopters to the racecourses.

“We believe we have a quintessentially English experience and it has been great to meet with so many interested people at ATM,” said Michelle Brown, Marketing Manager – Leisure, Visit York.

“We have not only met buyers from Arab countries but also from India and China, so it has provided us with a great way to showcase our product. It has been a very positive experience and Horseracing – Sport of Kings has been very well received.”

With the flat racing season running from May through to October, there are numerous opportunities to attend high-profile race meetings, while the company can also provide a host of activities including archery, track days or even a visit to Manchester United’s home, Old Trafford.

“We hope to entice people through the outstanding horseracing but hopefully we can then showcase everything else these destinations have to offer,” said Jonathan Tewson, Regional Partnerships Manager – East, The Jockey Club.

“There are a wide variety of activities for people to enjoy in each city, while at the races there will be VIP access to lounges and entrance to The Jockey Club.”

Nepal tourism targets Middle Eastern travellers

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Nepal is showcasing its credentials as an adventure destination at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. The Nepal Tourism Board hopes to attract more visitors from the Middle East in the coming years with its excellent connectivity, wealth of adventurous pursuits and inspiring natural beauty.

The Himalayas and Mount Everest, in particular, have already proved popular with travellers from the region, with Raha Moharrak becoming the youngest Arab and the first ever Saudi Arabian woman to reach the peak of Mount Everest in 2013.

By participating in Arabian Travel Market, Nepal hopes to re-establish itself as a foremost adventure travel destination.

The country recorded a strong year for tourism in 2017, with a total of 940,218 arrivals. Nepal also recorded a 13 percent year-on-year rise in travellers in the first three months of 2018, compared to the same period in the previous year.

Numbers are expected to increase this year in line with global trends and political stability.

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New catering service by Emirates Palace launches Emirates Palace has partnered with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to launch the UAE’s leading catering company.

The joint venture, Emirates Palace Catering by Dubai World Trade Centre, will provide a fully integrated, turnkey catering enterprise, for events both at the hotel and off-site.

Commenting on the partnership, Martin Cramer, Emirates Palace General Manager, said the venture “is poised to corner the UAE catering market which, prior to its launch, overlooked traditional Emirati cuisine”.

He added: “This merger will further enable the sharing of our level of hospitality to an even wider audience and allow us to better serve our community with magnificent traditional cuisine.”

With DWTC’s expertise in providing end-to-end event solutions, it is hoped that the service will allow the brands to tap into the growing culinary scene in the UAE capital.

“At Dubai World Trade Centre, we continuously look at ways to enhance our delivery, service and holistic solutions to ensure we raise the bar for our offering, benchmarking ourselves against the best in the world,” said Mahir Julfar, Senior Vice President – Venue Services Management, DWTC. “Our partnership allows us entry into the capital’s thriving culinary scene, showcasing our marketleading skills and offering guests the most memorable events.”

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Al Bandar Rotana

Rotana continues to grow in UAE Two new properties in Dubai cement expansion plans for homegrown group As Rotana rolls out its growth strategy for 2018 and beyond, the UAE hospitality brand has opened two new Dubai hotels this year.

With soft launches in February, the five-star Al Bandar Rotana and fully furnished serviced apartments Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana opened their doors in the Dubai Creek area.

Elegantly designed with a range of modern luxuries and situated at a prime waterside location, the new properties are close to major attractions and landmarks in the city, including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre.

David Prince, Rotana Area Vice President, said: “Dubai has been Al Bandar Rotana

one of the best-performing markets for Rotana, where we have a strong presence with an existing inventory of 11 hotels, and several under development, which will give us an additional 3,168 rooms in the city.

“With its forward-looking economy and continued infrastructure investments, combined with its appealing luxury, retail and tourism offerings, the emirate continues to be a magnet for both business and leisure travellers.

“The opening of Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan

by Rotana see us reach a new milestone in our growth journey.”

Hussein Hachem, General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, said the two properties “are set to redefine Dubai Creek living, where the emirate started off its magnificent journey”.

He added: “The hotels make a natural choice for travellers exploring the city and are also ideal for business travellers looking for convenience and five-star facilities in the heart of the city.

“Our team has put in time and effort to ensure the properties meet Rotana’s benchmarks and carry on its legacy, by introducing unique design and technology-driven accommodation solutions for an unmatched guest experience.”

Emirates Palace

Anantara unveils new virtual tour of its luxury Oman resort Holidaymakers looking to stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort can access a new virtual tour on the Oman hotel’s website to explore its five-star facilities through motion pictures, action shots and 360-degree virtual content.

The new tool, available in English and Arabic, is part of a growing trend that caters to digital audiences by building excitement and showcasing star attractions through immersive online content.

Set in the spectacular surroundings of the Hajar Mountains, the resort is known for its stunning views, which visitors can preview through the virtual tour. Aerial panoramas and activities such as rock climbing, village walks and canyon drives will whet any traveller’s appetite for adventure.

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Sri Lanka in regional tourism push Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has focused its efforts on Saudi Arabia.

In 2017, Sri Lanka received a total of 35,481 visitors from Saudi Arabia and the country hopes to double that number by the end of 2018 with a 20 percent rise in tourists from the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia makes up the largest number of GCC tourists visiting Sri Lanka, followed by Oman and the UAE. Madubhani Perera, Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said: “Sri Lanka is one of the preferred destinations for Gulf tourists as we offer an adventure-packed, eco-friendly, family-focused experience.

“Sri Lanka has many reasons for KSA families to return.”

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Crowne Plaza extends Middle East footprint With fresh openings in Saudi Arabia and Oman, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is widening its presence in the region.

Crowne Plaza Riyadh – RDC Hotel and Convention Center opened earlier this year, the seventh operating IHG hotel in Riyadh and 31st in Saudi Arabia.

The 326-room hotel is located in Al Ra’idah Digital City (RDC), a new mixed-use district expected to eventually accommodate over 20,000 employees and up to 10,000 residents.

Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of Crowne Plaza Riyadh – RDC Hotel and Convention Center.

“This hotel, and the overall master development, are perfectly suited to cater to rising demand.

We are proud to add to our growing portfolio in the Middle East region.”

This comes after the opening of Crowne Plaza Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the group’s second

hotel in Muscat and fifth in Oman. The 296-room hotel is part of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre project, Muscat’s new hub for business meetings and international events.

IHG has 81 hotels in the Middle East, with brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. A further 28 hotels are in the pipeline for the region, due to open within five years.

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Saudi Arabia set for hotel surge A spike in hotel openings across Saudi Arabia will see 84 properties, with 27,281 rooms, open this year.

According to the recent report ‘Saudi Arabia Hotel Construction Overview’, 60 percent of the kingdom’s current hotel construction pipeline of 143 properties will launch in 2018.

Notable openings due this year include Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences; Copthorne Hotel Makkah, Jabel Omar; Swiss-Belhotel Al Aziziya Makkah; Millennium Hotel Jeddah; and Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar.

“Saudi Arabia is a market that is currently undersupplied in terms of hotels,” said Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations & Development for the Middle East, Africa & India, Swiss-Belhotel International.

He added: “The tourism sector has been earmarked by the government as a key driver for growth in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, with major initiatives to stimulate the travel and tourism industry.”

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Hilton, which has the highest number of hotels currently under development across the country, will open three of its new Saudi properties this year.

Kamel Ajami, Vice President of Operations, KSA & Levant, Hilton commented: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most important markets in this region, with new legislation and government reforms making the kingdom more accessible than ever.

It represents our largest development pipeline in the Middle East.

“We have 30 hotels currently under development in around 12 different cities and our development team is always on the lookout for new opportunities.”

National airline Saudia is exhibiting at ATM, where the carrier is promoting services including holiday packages to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and showcasing its new home at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, set to open next month.

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News

Preferred Hotels & Resorts taps into growth trends

ATM THROUGH THE YEARS

Hotel group embarks on major global expansion Catering to the growing trend for personalised travel, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is launching 13 new properties across the globe in 2018.

Already present in 85 countries, the company is reaching into new locales with unique properties that specialise in authentic travel experiences that draw on elements of each destination.

Launches this spring include Bobby Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, where unique features, such as a rooftop bar featuring a re-purposed 1956 Greyhound tour bus, tap into the city’s status as the home of country music.

Also opening this season is The Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, complete with 250 rooms and suites, 20 executive residences and high-end fashion stores on-site, as well as a supercar showroom featuring RollsRoyce, Bugatti and Bentley models.

In Europe, the company recently unveiled Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, which looks out onto the canals from its setting in the historic former Town Hall, as well as Phils Place in Vienna, Austria, opening this April and offering accommodation in designer mini lofts with access to an open-air terrace.

Other properties that have recently opened, or are due to launch soon, include The Middle House in Shanghai, China; Sherwood Suites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Las Olas Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Hotel Sophy in Chicago and Garza Blanca Los Cabos in Mexico.

2002

The Meridian Club (ATM Buyers’ Club), launches an exclusive platform for senior travel buyers

2003

A seminar on space tourism is conducted by the President and CEO of Space Adventures, Eric Anderson

2005

The New Frontiers Award is created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity

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leading hospitals and clinics there.

Now, however, because of the current political situation, they are no longer keen to travel there,” Oppenheim said.

Patients from the UAE are increasingly looking elsewhere and the new visa exemptions will make Swiss clinics an attractive option, he continued.

“Swiss excellence in specialist healthcare and hospitality is well known to Arab audiences.

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a new pact between the two countries for mutual exemption of short-term visas.

In the past, visitors from the UAE would travel to the US for medical checks but recent visa difficulties for citizens of Middle East countries have encouraged many to look elsewhere, according to Andres Oppenheim, General Manager, Nescens Clinique de Genolier.

“A lot of UAE residents who look after their personal health capital are

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The lucrative sector takes centre stage during today’s show with the return of the ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit.

Held on the Global Stage, between 11am and 1.30pm, the special showcase makes a triumphant return today following a successful debut last year.

Top travel professionals from both the halal and mainstream areas of the industry will come together to discuss the latest developments, with a particular focus on themes such as inclusivity, investment and the Muslim traveller of the future.

Another hot topic during the summit will be upcoming halal travel trends, with a look at growth markets such as Muslim millennials.

High-profile speakers include Rafi-uddin Shikoh, Managing Director, DinarStandard; Faeez Fadhlillah, Founder & CEO, Salam Standard and Tripfez; and Nabeel Shariff, Founder, Serendipity Tailormade. Top blogger Elena Nikolova of muslimtravelgirl.com and Ikbal Hussain, Founder of Islamic GPS, will also take part in today’s special session.

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“The Swiss Medical Network, and the Nescens Clinique de Genolier, in particular, are already very well established in this market and we expect a growing number of discerning Middle Eastern travellers, who demand the very best in medical treatment and hospitality.”

Nescens Clinique de Genolier, which has seen a growing flow of patients from the UAE, is a luxury clinic specialising in preventative medicine and anti-ageing programmes that provides discreet, bespoke services for short, medium and long-term stays in five-star accommodation.

VISIT STAND EU6630, EU6730

4/23/18 10:59 PM

News

Next stop Kinshasa for flydubai flydubai has opened up a new gateway to central Africa by becoming the first UAE carrier to operate flights to Kinshasa International Airport.

This month, the Dubai-based affordable airline started running daily flights to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with an en route stop in nearby Entebbe.

17

The move from the airline, which is currently expanding its network in Africa, will connect the UAE to one of the continent’s largest cities.

“Africa is fast emerging as one of our most important markets and we have seen the trade relationship going from strength to strength in recent years,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai.

“With rising demand for more direct links to Africa, we see this new service as instrumental in further supporting the growing trade and tourism flows in the coming years.”

VISIT STAND ME2410

Sustainable tourism a priority for Ras Al Khaimah efforts to promote a more sustainable global tourism landscape.

Haitham Mattar, CEO, RAKTDA, said: “In 2017 we sought investment for the creation of three new eco-friendly projects on the UAE’s highest mountain Jebel Jais – positioning it as the nature adventure hub of the Middle East.

“We are transforming natural gifts into tourism assets to benefit all.”

Ras Al Khaimah is championing sustainable tourism in the region as part of its Destination 2019 strategy, which aims to attract one million visitors to the emirate by the end of 2018.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is an official sponsor of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. This aligns with the authority’s

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18

Seminar Schedule - Global Stage

ATM Global Stage Tuesday 24th April 11.00-13.30 ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit The second ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit will build on the success of the inaugural summit, which took place at the 2017 show. Leading travel professionals from the halal and mainstream travel sector will come together to discuss the development of an industry that is growing at such a fast rate that it should no longer be deemed niche. It will also encompass themes that range from inclusivity and investment opportunities to the Muslim traveller of the future.

11.00-11.40 Halal tourism – how far have we come?

What is the halal travel and tourism industry now worth, what trends are defining the sector in 2018 and where is the sector heading in the future? What are the growth markets to look out for, including Muslim millennials? How important is the sector to the Islamic economy regionally and globally, what are the major growth markets and why? What opportunities are there for investment?

Our industry analysts answer these questions and more, providing a market overview and the latest statistics.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Rafi-uddin Shikoh, Managing Director, DinarStandard; Faeez Fadlillah, Founder & CEO, Salam Standard and Tripfez; Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA 11.40-12.15 Halal travel becomes mainstream As the halal travel market blossoms, mainstream travel companies and suppliers and non-Muslim destinations around the world are adapting their business models to cater to Muslim travellers. We find out why from the industry organisations and destinations that are leading the way.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Maggie Bootsman, Manager UAE, Travel Counsellors; Miguel NietoSandoval, Tourism Counsellor, Embassy of Spain - Gulf region; Omar Ahmed, Founder and CEO, Hadith of the Day and Sociable Earth; Tamara Tawil, Market Manager, Geneva Tourism 12.15-12.50 Marketing to the modern Muslim traveller : DinarStandard Find out the latest travel behaviours of Muslim travellers from around the world from leading industry authority, DinarStandard. The authority will share the findings of their latest social media listening analysis, which includes Muslim travel sentiment and popular terminology. Our panellists will share their marketing strategies and programs in successfully reaching the Muslim

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travel audience. You will also hear from a digital marketer about how to use the power of inbound marketing to attract your audience to your platform, brand or product, rather than having to ‘buy, bug or beg your way in’ through interruptive ads, poorly targeted billboards and more.

Moderator: Reem El Shafaki, Senior Associate, DinarStandard Speakers: Syed Irfan Ajmal, digital marketer; Riyanto Sofyan (BSEE, MBA), Chairman, Team for Accelerated Development of Halal Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of The Republic of Indonesia; Mohsin Tutla, Chairman, World Hajj & Umrah Convention; Shaji Abu Salih, Area Director - Sales & Business Strategies, Shaza Hotels 12.50-13.30 Muslim travellers of the future What will the Muslim traveller of the future look like? How will this demographic evolve from the Muslim Millennial and what will they demand?

Our panellists look into the future and suggest how the industry should planning for the boom in Muslim travel, led by tech-savvy nomads.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Nabeel Shariff, Founder, Serendipity Tailormade; Elena Nikolova, MuslimTravelGirl.com; Ikbal Hussain, Founder, Islamic GPS 13.45-14.45 Going Solo: how Brexit is likely to affect tourism between the UK and the Middle East The UK is scheduled to divorce from the European Union in March 2019, but there are currently many unanswered questions about what this will mean for inbound and outbound tourism. Our panel considers how the weak pound and Brexit-related caution has already impacted tourism flows between the UK and Middle East, and discusses how the post-Brexit landscape might shape up: how could being outside the EU affect aviation into and out of the UK – including for the Middle East market? What other regulatory changes or challenges are anticipated, and how might economic factors play out?

Moderator: Pippa Jacks, Group Editor, TTG Media Speakers: Lisa McAuley, Managing Director B2B Tour Operations, dnata Travel Europe; Deidre Wells OBE, Chief Executive, UKinbound; Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board 15.00-16.00 Seas of Change These days, more cruise ships are sailing the seven seas than ever before.

There has also been a meteoric rise in demand for river cruising worldwide,

plus ports around the globe are growing their cruise infrastructure. There have never been so many opportunities to grow the Middle East’s outbound cruise market, so how can we help the region’s travel trade sell it better? This session looks at cruise market trends, lines that are targeting Middle East travellers with tailored offerings and the new technology helping agents, operators and wholesalers to sell cruises better than ever before.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Sabrina Badhan, Business Improvement Manager, Imagine Cruising; Lakshmi Durai, CEO, CruiseXplore; Kenny Picken, President and CEO, Traveltek Group Ltd; Mohamed Saeed, General Manager - Middle East Royal Caribbean Int’l, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises; Kyriakos ( Kerry ) Anastassiadis, CEO, Celestyal Cruises and Chairman CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Europe 16.20-17.20 Smart kids: shaping the luxury travel experience for a new generation of customers Let’s face it: kids are getting much more discerning when it comes to luxury travel.

As the average age of adult guests staying at the world’s best hotels and resorts falls, more families are checking in, creating a generation of travelling tots and journeying juniors accustomed to enjoying fabulous travel experiences.

The increasing numbers of well-heeled

youngsters at luxury resorts and their demand for ever more sophisticated experiences means hoteliers have to rethink the way they accommodate junior travellers, from the way they plan their kids’ clubs and teens’ facilities, to the way they design their menus.

We’re already seeing major changes to the kids’ club concept at some highend resorts, with the introduction of transformative travel experiences such as educational programmes, health and wellness itineraries, and activities designed to engage and inspire: think DJ lessons with state-of-the-art equipment, or lifeguard certification on a stretch of pristine beach in Mauritius.

But how is the hotel industry preparing for the next wave of discerning junior travellers? How do hotels stay ahead of the game (and the competition) when it comes to providing unforgettable travel experiences for the sons and daughters of their most affluent consumers?

In this ATM Global Stage seminar, Destinations of the World News talks to some of the trendsetters in the junior travel sphere – companies whose innovations are held up as examples of best practice across the industry – to find out what’s new in the world of luxury kids’ travel and what comes next.

Moderator: Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-large, Destinations of the World News Speakers: Philippe Zuber, President and Chief Operating Officer, One&Only Resorts; Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations, EMEA, Four Seasons; Kate Dicker, Business Development Consultant, Worldwide Kids

4/23/18 10:27 PM

19

Travel Tech Theatre- Seminar Schedule

Travel Tech Theatre

Sponsored by

Tuesday 24th April 10.30-11.30 The Speed of Change: Private Accommodation & the Middle East Trends in the Middle East travel market are simulating those in Europe, with a few years’ gap. Now an established segment in Europe, private accommodation is emerging in the Middle East. Join travel industry research leader, Phocuswright, and regional private accommodation players for a lively conversation exploring this burgeoning slice of lodging. Get answers to questions such as: Are Middle Eastern travellers asking for this kind of accommodation? How do the region’s serviced apartments perceive these new distribution opportunities? And more!

Moderator: Cristina Polo, Market Specialist, Middle East, Phocuswright Inc Speakers: Joost Vermeulen, Regional Manager, Middle East & Africa, Booking.com; Vincent Miccolis, Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Ascott International Management, Dubai; Berthold Trenkel, CEO, Fursan Travel 11.45-12.45 Smart Tourism 2020 Smart tourism is the new frontier for destinations. It describes the increasing reliance of tourism destinations, their product providers and their tourists on emerging forms of digital technology.

From artificial intelligence to advanced mobile apps to the use of virtual and augmented reality, destinations are competing to use the latest digital technologies to bring in and retain tourists. What are the smart tourism trends that are going to matter over the next two to three years? Find out by attending Smart Tourism 2020.

Moderator: Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys Digital Transformation Speakers: Faisal Memon, Founder & CEO, Illusions Online; Ghassan Teffaha, Global Head of Sales & Partnerships, Mobile Amadeus; Karim Saad, Founder & VR Filmmaker, Giga Works

13.00-13.30 Beyond NDC – the evolution of travel retailing and distribution With IATA (International Air Transport Association) and NDC (New Distribution Capability), the next generation of airline distribution has begun. In the next few years we will see a paradigm shift in flight distribution that will reshape the value chain and transform the way billions of consumers travel. Technology has made entirely new forms of “airline retailing” possible. What will retail offers in the age of NDC look like, and how will business models and customers’ booking behaviour change? Find out why this topic is Sabre’s top strategic priority.

Speakers: Madhavan Kasthuri, Senior Director, Customer Enablement, Sabre Travel Network, EMEA

also examine how the gig economy is disrupting the fundamental ownership and distribution of product and also at how the visitor experience is about to be turned on its head as it becomes increasingly technology driven. If you’re strategising for the future, this is a session you must attend.

Moderator: Nick Hall, Founder, Digital Tourism Think Tank Speakers: Alaa Al-Hindi, Director, Digital Marketing,Visit Jordan; Vahid Jacob, Director Digital Marketing, Seychelles Tourism Board; Reza Saeedi, Manager of Business Development, CrowdRiff

16.15-17.15 Successful Social Media Influencer Partnerships Learn how to work with influencers from people within the travel industry, including how to select the best influencers and how influencers have fitted into their online marketing strategy.

This session will be filled with many practical and successful examples.

Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel Speakers: Amit Garg, Director of Sales and Marketing, Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts; Ferry Trinidad, Cluster E-Commerce Manager, The Cove Rotana Resort and Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa; Thuymi Do, Co-Founder, AdventureFaktory

Outbound President, PBTA Speakers: Reem A-Hameed, Co-Founder, CollectiveBKP; Omar Tom, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Cause Culture; Thuymi Do, Co-Founder, AdventureFaktory

manage FX risk and provide your clients currencies of their choice, find areas to enhance your margins and build trust into your sourcing with flexible payment options. Citi specialises in this space with solutions tailored to travel industry models, delivering operational efficiency and improving working capital to give your business global scalability, rapid growth and investor value.

Speakers: Dinesh Daphale, Director and Head of Cash Management (EMEA), Citi Commercial Bank; Piotr Tyminski, Head of Digital (EMEA), Citi Commercial Bank

13.45-14.15 GlocalMe - Your Best Travel Mate uCloudlink was established in Hong Kong in 2009 and with offices in China.

GlocalMe is the brand of uCloudlink and is the world’s first SIM-free portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You will always have local network connection globally, with GlocalMe. Attend this session to find out more.

Speakers: Mursaleen Sajid Khan, Sr. Manager and Head of MEA region, uCloudlink Technology Ltd 14.30-16.00 DxO: The Future of the Destination Brand The future DMO is a DxO. Nick Hall will be sharing a vision on how Destination Marketing Organisations are having to shift their focus and truly redefine themselves, as the macro trends which dictate change start to have a profound impact on the entire travel chain, looking at how the top-of-funnel discovery process has been dramatically disrupted by an explosion of touch points, down to the huge importance of content from deep and immersive to short-form, native and distributed. We’ll

Wednesday 25th April 11.00-11.30 Value of Customer Data across the Guest Journey Most hoteliers aren’t taking advantage of the data asset they already have. In this session, Revinate’s Rani Croshal will outline how hotels can benefit from guest data to drive revenue and enhance the guest journey. Through real-world examples, she will showcase how to collect, analyse and interpret data that Revinate provides for hotels to improve business and guest satisfaction results.

Hoteliers will walk away with actionable insights on how data can help (or hurt) their business.

Speakers: Rani Croshal, Sr. Director Customer Success, Revinate

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11.45-12.45 Vlogging And Podcasting Are Taking Over The Internet, And It’s A Great Opportunity For Your Brand Online video and podcasts are rapidly becoming the most-consumed forms of media on the internet, but relatively few travel brands have committed to long-term video and podcast strategies.

This panel of experienced creators will discuss the wild growth of audio and video consumption, why the fields are still wide open for new voices, how they’ve cultivated their success, and how your brand can get ahead of the curve by creating its own content and collaborating with professional creators.

Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink,

13.00-14.00 Rebooting the Travel Industry: Driving Automation and International Growth Increasingly, travel industry players and aggregators rely on automation and managing big data to attract clients and source deals from providers in aviation and hotel space. One of the important integration points that deserves attention is enabling an end-to-end financial and operational automation to

4/23/18 10:27 PM

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Seminar Schedule - Showcase Theatre

Showcase Theatre Tuesday 24th April 10.30-11.15 Responding to the evolving regional traveller Travellers are increasingly using technology to plan their trips and navigate their destinations; 83 percent used technology to plan their breaks in 2017 compared to 78 percent in 2015. Travellers are also evolving in terms of who they travel with, how often, and even how they want to pay. Executives from the hospitality industry discuss the latest trends in traveller preferences and practical ways that industry players are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the regional traveller. Visa - ATM Payments Technology Partner Moderator: Jagruti Mistry, Director – Regional Corporate Communications (CEMEA), Visa Speakers: Mohammed Ismaeel, SVP Marketing (CEMEA), Visa; Shaf Butt, Director of Marketing for Dubai & MEASA, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts; Muhammad Chbib, Founder & CEO, Tajawal 11.30-12.15 The Commercial and Socio-cultural advantages of the Experiential Economy Over the last ten years, there has been substantial growth in the demand for experiences. Increasingly, consumers are concerned with booking experiences as much as they are with choosing the right hotel. Leisure travellers are both adventurous and discerning in their search for new experiences, ones that they cannot have in their own country. Those may be international sporting events, theme parks or performances, but equally valuable are the local culture, environment and way of life. It is these experiences that extend the length of stay and create local economic benefits for the destination.

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, Responsible Tourism Advisor, WTM Speakers: Ahmed Alrayyes, Chief Commercial Officer, DXB Entertainments; Alaa AlShroogi, Director - Visitor Enhancement, Visitor Experience, expo2020; Tamara Withers, Corporate Sustainability, Senior Manager, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF); Nada Badran, Founder, Wander With

12.45-13.15 I think therefore I merchandise Let’s take a short walk down the merchandising memory lane to figure out where we are now and how we got here.

Then, let’s peek into the future. Understand how current trends in customer and supplier behaviours (and yours!) have an unparalleled potential to shape your travel agency business.

Speakers: Maria Malerba, Merchandising Sales & Adoption, Amadeus 13.30-14.30 TTN Travel Agents Competition Twenty slides, 20 seconds, 20 questions.

Aimed at travel agents, destinations will be showcased through Pecha Kuchastyle presentations followed by a 20 question quiz with prizes up for grabs.

Moderator: Zamir Uddin, Presentologist, Audience Alive Speakers: Tereza Matějková, Head of Trade Fairs, Czech Republic National Tourism Board; Rafael Soler, Market Manager GCC, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection

14.45-15.15 The Changing relationship between Hotels and OTAs The strength of the OTA in distribution and marketing, plus all the technology tools available to hoteliers, including Expedia Powered technology.

Speakers: Paula De Keijzer, Senior Director of Market Management Middle East, Africa, Greece & Turkey, Expedia Group 15.45-16.15 Next Generation - Travel Automatisation Let next level Travel Automisation help your travel business get a robust kick off to save money and time. Our latest travel technology software solutions can compete with the market and give the best return on investment. Step ahead to understand, ticketing barcode system benefits, whereby barcodes eliminate the possibility of human error. Along with that, it takes you to the next level to save cost and avoid losses.

UNDERSTANDING THE LATEST 2018 GLOBAL WELLNESS TRENDS Tuesday 24th April – 4pm – 5pm Wellness Lounge, Hall 1 Learn about the newest trends in the world of health and wellness travel by joining this discussion which will also delve into the exciting – and in some cases surprising – opportunities that are emerging. You will not only get up to speed, but you will be ahead of the conversations globally.

Transformative Wellness Travel The First 1,000 Days The Wellness Kitchen Getting our “Clean Air Act” Together Extreme Wellness Wellness Meets Happiness A New Feminist Wellness

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Join gigantic tour suppliers within the travel industry who are already using our predefined barcode system. Be a part of our Activity Barcode Scanner launch, a proficient barcode scanner app. It doesn’t take more than minutes to master, a simple process of installing and scanning barcodes with much more to come, including a concept like Bedallocator, a Smart Tour Coordinator App that will be launched soon.

Speakers: Vinod Kumar Kelwani, CEO, Technoheaven Consultancy Pvt Ltd 16.30-17.00 INPLASS - Solution for Hotel Guests Comfort Presenting and Demonstrating the INPLASS solution.

Speakers: Rafeeque Mohamed, Managing Director, INPLASS

17.15-17.45 The Benefits of Digital Transformation Control, Visibility and Compliance Travel and expenses (T&E) is often the second or third-largest area of controllable spend – yet many organisations are still using outdated tools and processes. In this session, we will discuss T&E reimagined, capture all travel itineraries and gain complete visibility into booked expenses versus actual spending by integrating every part of your travel ecosystem.

Moderator: Shehab Shoukr, Managing Director, MENA, SAP Concur Speakers: Ellen Trotochaud, Vice President, Global Business Development, Travel Channel; Darren Foster, Sr. Alliance Manager EMEA, SAP Concur

Wednesday 25th April 10.15-11.15 ATM Career in Travel - How to gain a career in the industry Hear from leading professionals on how to make it or break it in the industry and their individual experiences.

Moderator: Sarakshi Rai, Online Editor, Hotelier Middle East Speakers: Abdo Basmaji, Travel Counsellor; Alessandro Cabella, Area General Manager, Jumeirah Group, Fathuma Hamzi, Cluster Director of Human Resources, Radisson Blu 11.30-12.15 Developing Tourism Skills and Employment Opportunities in Travel & Tourism The MENA countries have growing populations and large numbers of young people looking for meaningful and well-paid employment. The travel and tourism sector offers a wide range of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. There are many opportunities in rural areas where the sector can create worthwhile employment for young people, removing the incentive to move away from their

communities to the cities. This panel composed of educators and trainers and employers will focus on training the next generation to make travel, tourism and hospitality their career - and show how it can be made attractive to young people and their parents.

Moderator: Chris Warren, ICRT Australia Speakers: Aline Barhouche, Area Director Human Resources for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Radisson Hotels; Koray Genckul, Senior Director Human Resources MEA & Turkey, Hilton; Heidi van der Watt, Director Better Tourism Africa; Samir Arora, General Manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai 12.30-13.30 ATM Career in Travel - How to create your own job in the travel and tourism industry Hear from leading entrepreneurs in the industry who will inspire with their journeys to success.

Moderator: Eddie Taylor, Editor, Arabian Business Speakers: Rana Dababneh, Founder, Pomalo travel; Heba Bin Redha, Co-founder of Emirati Kashtas

4/23/18 10:27 PM

At TIME Hotels, our simple approach to hospitality means that you can always expect to receive the warmest welcome straight from the heart and an uncomplicated yet professional service delivery. Whether for business or leisure, short-stay or long-stay, we currently have four different property brands represented across a growing portfolio of properties. To find out more about our present and future locations, visit our website or come talk to us at ATM 2018, Stand HC 1255.

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Party Pics

Night to remember

The Palace Downtown hosted the official Arabian Travel Market 2018 show party for an enjoyable evening with sensational entertainment

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4/24/18 12:22 AM

Party Pics

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4/24/18 12:23 AM

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Feature - Aviation

1

Air supply The Gulf’s major commercial airlines continue to grow, despite facing some turbulent times over the past 12 months The global airline industry is witnessing a period of uncertainty, and Gulf carriers are by no means immune. Factors such as fluctuating oil and currency prices, geopolitical tensions, a tough economic environment and fierce competition from the US and other international airlines have forced a strategy re-think to safeguard ongoing success.

Creative plans include opening up new routes, savvy fleet changes and smart partnerships. We take a look at a fresh direction for the region’s leading airlines.

FLYING HIGH As one of the world’s most successful airlines, Emirates posted another strong year in 2017, reporting solid financial results and announcing a raft of new routes, products and services to consolidate its position as the world’s largest international carrier.

A focus on the fleet has been an important element of the way forward at Dubai’s flag carrier, while the airline has joined forces with sister airline flydubai in an innovative new approach.

At November’s Dubai Air Show, Emirates announced a US$15 billion (AED55 billion) order for 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with the first aircraft scheduled to join the airline’s fleet in 2022.

“Some of the aircraft will be replacements so that we maintain a young and efficient fleet, and others will power our future network growth,” explains HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Group Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline.

“We see the 787 as a great complement to our B777 and A380 fleet, providing us with more flexibility and a greater spread of seat segments when it comes to overall capacity to serve a range of destinations as we develop our global route network.”

The acquisition of the new Dreamliners will allow Emirates increased capacity on short haul routes, opening up new avenues into some of Europe’s hottest destinations, while at the same time building on Dubai’s status as a transfer hub connecting passengers to multiple onward stops.

Another landmark move last year saw Emirates join forces with sister airline flydubai. Both airlines continue to be managed independently, but now leverage each other’s networks to

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scale operations. The agreement gives flydubai customers access to Emirates destinations spanning six continents, while Emirates customers have access to flydubai’s regional network.

The current combined network of both airlines comprises more than 200 destinations. In November, the duo announced another 16 destinations where Emirates passengers can travel on a single ticket, including Zanzibar, Kathmandu and Kilimanjaro.

By 2022, the combined network of Emirates and flydubai is expected to reach 240 destinations, served by a combined fleet of 380 aircraft.

RIGHT ON COURSE UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways has endured significant challenges, with CEO Peter Baumgartner recently telling media it was time to “take a reality check as we enter the life cycle of where we want to be tomorrow, five years, 10 years from now”.

Crucially, this involves the airline revamping its route strategy to prioritise point-to-point markets, rather than leveraging Abu Dhabi’s geographical advantage as an international hub.

The airline’s growing fleet of B787 Dreamliners places it in a strong position to develop direct routes within 10 hours’ flying time of the capital, while a focus on new innovations is designed

1 Emirates A380 2 Emirates Business Class 3 HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum 4 Etihad Airways A380 5 Peter Baumgartner

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EMIRATES

Fleet: 259 passenger aircraft Destinations: 156 cities in 83 countries Aircraft order book: 42 A380-800s; 40 B787-10 Dreamliners; 14 B777-300ERs; 35 B777-8s; 115 B777-9s

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Fleet: 121 passenger aircraft Destinations: 110 cities in 62 countries Aircraft order book: 10 A320neos; 26 A321neos; 40 A350-900s; 22 A350-1000s; 8 B777-8s; 17 B777-9s; 24 B787-9 Dreamliners; 30 B787-10 Dreamliners; 1 B777F

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to enhance the passenger experience with WI-FLY+, a next-generation, superfast in-flight Wi-Fi service.

Etihad Airways has also announced new partnerships, including one with China’s retail giant, Alibaba Group Holding Limited. Under the agreement, Alibaba and Etihad Guest, the airline’s loyalty programme, will explore enhanced benefits including points conversion to Etihad Guest Miles and the ability to redeem Etihad Guest Miles for Alibaba products.

The airline has also announced a slew of new routes including flights to Azerbaijan, as well as enhanced services to Jordan and Casablanca. Key changes in personnel are also set to breathe fresh focus into forward strategies.

KEY TO THE KINGDOM Saudia, the flag carrier for Saudi Arabia, perhaps faces the greatest challenges, and opportunities, as major change sweeps the nation and it adopts new financial models to expand visitor opportunities beyond the staple of religious tourism. The airline is well positioned to take advantage.

Saudia capped a successful 2017 by being named World’s Most Improved Airline at the Skytrax Awards.

The airline received the highest rating improvements across key categories, including staff service, and saw its global ranking rise 40 percent from its 2016 position to 51st. Looking to provide for increased visitor demand, Saudia is also adding 13 B787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet as part of its overhaul.

UPWARD TRAJECTORY Since its launch just under a decade ago, flydubai has grown to become one of the region’s largest low-cost carriers, with a fleet of 61 aircraft flying to 97 destinations in 44 countries.

And the airline’s growth looks set to accelerate after placing a massive US$27 billion (AED99 billion) order for 225 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at November’s Dubai Air Show.

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SAUDIA

Fleet: 141 passenger aircraft Destinations: 80 cities in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America Aircraft order book: 15 B777-300ERs, 13 B787-9 Dreamliners, 35 A320/A321 neos

This is the third aircraft order placed by the airline with Boeing in its eight-year history, and brings the total number of aircraft flydubai has on order to 320.

“The new aircraft will give us the flexibility and versatility to continue our success story and provide an uncompromised flying experience.

It is also in line with our strategy to maintain a young and efficient fleet,” says the airline’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

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6 King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh 7 Saudia Airlines 8 Ghaith Al Ghaith 9 flydubai 10 Gulf Air

Incoming aircraft represent an important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernisation process” 9

FLYDUBAI

Fleet: 61 passenger aircraft Destinations: 97 cities in 44 countries Aircraft order book: 225 B737 MAXs, 95 B737-800s

flydubai will also continue to focus on three key areas moving ahead, he adds: “Improvement in our cost performance, a broadening of our distribution and optimisation of our network. We have also embraced new technologies to improve costs through dynamic yield management and using real-time data to enhance the customer journey.”

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SUCCESS STORY The turnaround at Bahrain’s Gulf Air is one of the commercial aviation industry’s greatest success stories.

After being close to the brink of financial collapse, the airline launched a restructuring strategy in 2013 that resulted in record reductions in its annual losses.

Gulf Air is now looking to expand its services with the addition of new aircraft.

In 2016, the airline placed orders for 45 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus at a total value of US$7.6 billion (AED27.9 billion).

With a newly appointed Chief Executive (former Croatia Airlines president and CEO Krešimir Kučko) at the helm, and five new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners joining its fleet this year, the airline is now poised for success in 2018.

GULF AIR

Fleet: 28 passenger aircraft Destinations: 42 cities in 25 countries Aircraft order book: 5 B787-9 Dreamliners, 17 A321neos, 12 A320neos, 10 CS100s

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Feature - Wellness and Spa

By Gemma Greenwood

Time for reflection The spa, wellness and hospitality industries have emerged as pioneers for eco-friendly practices, with some Middle East resorts proving leaders of this global movement

From sustainable design and ecofriendly products to wildlife protection programmes and initiatives that support the local community, the region’s spa and wellness-focused resorts are responding to a tide of consumer demands for a sustainable approach.

For luxury hotels embracing responsible tourism within their spa offering, the rewards are great, as eco-conscious millennials look to support sustainable brands.

According to Ira Malik, Group Director of Spas – Europe, Middle East and Africa, MSpa, the company behind Anantara Hotels & Resorts’ spa offering, “guests are increasingly aware of the ingredients they put in and on their bodies”.

She adds: “Eco-friendly and bio-degradable packaging is in demand, along with renewable sources of energy to power spas.

“With the buzz around giving back to the environment, so long as we’re hitting the basics, our guests are confident in spending their money with us. We come to the spa, after all, to leave feeling good.

“They expect brands to not only manage their impact, but communicate

Ira Malik, Group Director of Spas – Europe, Middle East and Africa, MSpa

it,” she adds, noting that luxury wellness and hospitality brands must not only take pride in their craftsmanship, service and design but also care for their employees, suppliers and “work hard to protect our planet”.

Putting it all into practice, the Middle East is perfectly placed to take advantage of this growing trend, as the home of some of the world’s leading responsible spa and wellness resorts in the upscale and luxury categories. Here we pick out some of the region’s leading sustainable spa providers.

Wellness is headed completely in the direction of nature, reinforcing the significance of adopting good, sustainable practices for long-term impact” 1 to 3 Anantara Spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

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ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT Taking a 100 percent organic approach, guests at Anantara Spa are guaranteed chemical-free products and treatments. Many products are natural and sourced from the UAE, including dates, coffee and sand, which exfoliate and nourish the skin. The resort also minimises paper and plastic use and champions reusable items, while digital menus replace paper ones and LED chargeable candles can be found peppered throughout the space. It’s a spa experience that reflects the luxury Palm Jumeirah retreat’s regional roots, with the authentic Turkish Hammam massage proving its most popular treatment. The eco efforts can be seen at all eight Anantara Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East, which are Green Globe certified.

Afrah Hamdy, Spa Director, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, says: “Wellness is headed completely in

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the direction of nature, reinforcing the significance of adopting good, sustainable practices for long-term impact.

“The advantages of this approach are that they help guests to re-connect to nature and to heal themselves through their spa experiences in a much more natural and authentic way.”

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4 & 5 Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Jordan

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ALILA JABAL AKHDAR, OMAN This boutique mountain resort, inspired by the region’s ancient forts, has been built with local stone using Omani construction techniques and according to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification principles.

The grounds feature traditional Omani falaj water systems, while interior design touches include handmade pottery from the nearby oasis town of Bahla.

Alila Jabal Akhdar has also received recognition for its use of sustainable materials and environmental protection.

At Spa Alila, local ingredients such as Frankincense resin and rose water are used for a natural and immersive Omani experience.

In the Spa Kitchen, guests can learn how to make natural beauty remedies using indigenous ingredients purchased from the local community.

Spa Director Ni Made Sulasmi Ami says: “Guests increasingly demand natural products. These are perceived as healthier than conventional products with greater benefits; food for the skin so to speak.”

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & RESORTS, JORDAN Found in Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, ZARA Spas buy their products from local farms and ensure the guest experience reflects Jordanian culture and, where possible, benefits local communities.

Making the best use of the outstanding local ingredients and landscape, Dead Sea mud, salts and oils from Jordan are incorporated into treatments, while fitness programmes are performed outdoors.

At resort level, the Dead Sea property harvests oranges from its own gardens, some of which the chefs use for the marmalade served at breakfast, while Tala Bay recycles pool water for plant irrigation, saving more than 1.5 million gallons annually. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is the world’s most Green Globe-certified hotel group, and both Jordan properties have met the body’s strict sustainability criteria.

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Michael Nugent, Regional Director, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Jordan, says: “People have become more healthconscious, with a focus on engaging in alternative activities that promote wellbeing. They have started reconnecting with the outdoors for physical activities.”

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THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS US$8.3 billion AED30.5 billion MENA value US$460 million AED1.689 billion UAE value US$500 million AED1.836 billion UAE value by 2020 Source: Colliers International.

6 to 8 Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

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Feature - Wellness and Spa

9 Aaron McGrath 10 to 13 Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam, Oman

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SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY, MUSANDAM, OMAN Sustainability is a concept at the very heart of Zighy Bay’s operations and guest offering. The resort has its own organic farm, producing compost, seeds, wormtea fertiliser and organic honey from the bee villa. It also runs a commercial farm in nearby Dibba where guests don’t just visit, they also breakfast on the farm harvest, from greenhouse produce to organic eggs. Zighy Bay is plastic-free as well and processes its own water for drinking, for the pool, for showers and for the irrigation system. Aloe vera and dates are grown on the resort grounds

and used for the spa products. Meanwhile, community activities include beach cleanups, and diving hosts are trained to remove ghost nets left by fishermen to rescue sea creatures caught in them.

General Manager Aaron McGrath says: “With the wave of mass urbanisation happening around the world, people are becoming more aware of our human need for nature, and wellness trends are shifting to reflect that.

“We can’t be well without a healthy planet, and this intersection of sustainability and wellness is an interesting idea and ongoing area of development across the industry.”

We can’t be well without a healthy planet, and this intersection of sustainability and wellness is an interesting idea” SUSTAINABLE SPA TRENDS FOR 2018

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Wellness architecture Resorts and wellness facilities will be built with human wellness in mind.

‘Living’ buildings will be made of algae biofuel cells that grow their own energy.

Indoor air pollution will be reduced and phone apps will alert guests when they are entering ‘sick’ buildings.

Community wellness The wellness tourism industry will place more emphasis on social responsibility, taking steps to ‘pay it forward’ and give back to their communities.

Wellness resorts will be built with self-sustainability in mind and involve guests in humanitarian causes.

Sustainability meets experiential From community-based volunteer work to wildlife rescue efforts, guests will want to fully immerse themselves in sustainable efforts where resorts work hand-in-hand with charities.

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Komodo Dragon, Komodo National Park

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A place to witness the ancient animal living in modern days Have an eventful journey in and around Komodo National Park, as well as the whole Indonesia. Perfected with fascinating cultures, ravishing natural landscapes, exquisite dishes, and everything in between, this land is guaranteed to provide you with challenging yet strangely beautiful discoveries.

Explore Indonesia’s limitless surprises on April 22-25, 2018 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre #AS2650 www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel Indonesia.Travel indtravel

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Feature - Halal Tourism

Leading the way One of the industry’s most lucrative tourism sectors, halal travel has emerged in recent years as a driver for change As a tailored approach to travel continues to shape the industry’s evolution, it has never been more important for providers to pay close attention to the needs of specific traveller segments.

This is where the continued rise of halal tourism takes on an even greater significance, as the lucrative segment matures and new dynamics emerge.

Despite being a relatively new tourism focus, Muslim tourists exert considerable influence as part of a travel set worth billions of dollars – and rising. Seeking out specialist products, from lifestyle retreats and adventure tourism experiences, to peer-to-peer accommodation and women-only trips, millennial Muslims are also taking halal travel far beyond basic food and faith-based requirements, to offer a more complex view.

The halal tourism market continues to grow at pace, with the industry worth US$169 billion (AED620 billion) worldwide in 2016, up 11.8 percent on 2015 and representing 12 percent of total global travel spend. Its value is projected to hit US$283 billion (AED1.04 billion) by 2022, according to the recent State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2017/18, produced by Thomson Reuters in collaboration with DinarStandard, which states “halal travel is getting its moment in the sun”. Travel now represents the third largest halal lifestyle sector globally after food and modest fashion, and some meaningful market niches are starting to emerge, many of which mirror mainstream travel trends.

“Muslims were once treated as one travel segment, but the industry is now starting to become more nuanced,” confirms Reem El Shafaki, Senior Associate, DinarStandard.

“In addition to grouping by demographics such as age, gender and country of residence, Muslim travellers can also be grouped by travel purpose – they are interested in sightseeing trips, beach holidays, cruises, luxury travel, adventure travel, ecotourism, voluntourism and more.”

Travel firms are responding by focusing on and expanding niches, with UK-based Luxury Halal Travel catering to honeymooners and adventure seekers and its sister company, Serendipity Tailormade, teaming up with Healthy Hijab to offer exclusive health and fitness retreats. Similarly, productivemuslim.com and halaltrip.com

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recently launched a seven-day Productive Muslim Retreat, combining spirituality with personal development. The target audience was Muslim entrepreneurs, students and professionals.

Meanwhile, new start-up ventures are tapping into Muslim traveller demand for peer-to-peer home rentals, dovetailing with mainstream trends led by the likes of Airbnb. They include Muslim-focused peer-to-peer property rental company Muzbnb in the US and UK-based BookHalalHomes.

Elena Nikolova, Founder and Creator of travel site muslimtravelgirl.com, notes: “More single Muslim women are travelling” and looking for women-only group trips and retreats, which the market needs to cater to.

“Over the past couple of years, Muslim travellers have been letting travel companies know they want to be noticed,” she says. “They are creating DIY trips and travel experiences, or are blogging to share their ideas or ask for more halal food and hotels. They are starting to show their frustration at not being part of the bigger travel picture and are looking to forge their own ideas of what Muslim travel ought to be.”

MILLENNIAL MOTIVATIONS Given people under the age of 30 account for 60 percent of the population in Muslim-majority countries – the equivalent of around one billion people – the Muslim millennial demographic is broadly regarded as a key growth driver of the global halal tourism market in general. The Muslim Millennial Travel Report 2017, released

by Mastercard and HalalTrip in October 2017, notes these “well-connected and tech-savvy” travellers are a “distinct group” with “special requirements, interests and decision-making styles”.

According to the report, Muslim Millennial Travellers (MMTs) will be entering their “peak earning, spending and travelling life stage within the next five to 10 years”, while their spending on travel is expected to top US$100 billion (AED367 billion) by 2023.

The report’s survey of global MMTs unearths some key trends in terms of what experiences, products and services they look for when booking travel. Most respondents sought autonomy, with 72 percent preferring free and independent travel. They are tech savvy – 53 percent

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Muslims were once treated as one travel segment, but the industry is now starting to become more nuanced”

1 Reem El Shafaki, Senior Associate, DinarStandard 2 Elena Nikolova, Founder and Creator of muslimtravelgirl.com 3 Pagoda, Chiang Mai Thailand

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book with Online Travel Agencies, 27 percent book direct with travel companies online and 10 percent with travel websites – and highly influenced by the power of information when planning their trips. Content posted by travellers and online review sites are their top sources.

Nikolova says MMTs have “more cultural awareness than previous generations and they want what their non-Muslim peers have, just in a more modern version of halal”.

“They also have the disposable income to pay for travel experiences and are seeing a shift from the standard ‘going back home’ or religious trips sought by previous generations, to luxury holidays, exotic honeymoons, adventure travel and ecotourism,” she explains.

MMTs are set to drive the growth of the halal tourism sector and travel companies must respond or face “alienating” this influential market, Nikolova adds.

GOING MAINSTREAM One firm that has acknowledged the need to cater to its discerning Muslim clients is Travel Counsellors UAE, part of the world’s largest home-based travel

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company. The Dubai branch not only counts several halal tourism experts amongst its homeworkers, but recently signed up its first halal travel supplier, Serendipity Tailormade, which specialises in bespoke halal-friendly tourism experiences, from tuk-tuk tours in Chiang Mai to safari experiences in South Africa.

“Travel Counsellors identified a gap in the market to provide halalfriendly travel to its customers in the UAE, and bringing on board Serendipity Tailormade as a supplier is one of many steps we are taking to support this drive,” explains Maggie Bootsman, Manager UAE, Travel Counsellors LLC. Zakiya Habib, one of Travel Counsellors’ halal tourism specialists, says her younger clients are seeking adventure when travelling, with hiking and sailing trips proving popular, while exotic travel to remote and unspoiled destinations is also in demand.

She says: “Muslim travellers are now more selective. They are looking for personalised tours that include Islamic history or places of interest. Packages covering transport, guides and tours are popular, as are wellness travel and retreats.”

Shafaki concludes that Muslim travellers now “take it for granted” that their basic faith-based needs are met and expect “immersive travel experiences”, as well as concierge services that acknowledge their customs and interests. The hope is that the industry embraces the halal travel trend and meets the needs of a market worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

4 Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka 5 Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda, Japan 6 Tiu Kelep waterfall, Indonesia 7 Zakiya Habib, Halal Travel Specialist, Travel Counsellors UAE

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Destinations

Ajman

Ajman Tourism Development Department / ME3540

The Dhow Yard in Ajman is one of the most active boatbuilding yards for the traditional vessels in the country

UAE-based developer Majid Al Futtaim is also investing US$175 million (AED643 million) in expansion and renovation at its City Centre Ajman mall, which will increase in size from 29,000 square metres to 55,300 square metres upon completion in 2019.

Ajman ruler HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi has also backed plans for a major new resort to be constructed in the emirate that will feature hotels, villas and a natural reserve. The Masfout Heights Resort Project will include parks, a lake, a sports area, Cradled by the Hajar Mountains, Masfout has shops and mosques. The long been known as a hiker’s dream and is a first phase is scheduled to be completed by 2021. favourite among those seeking to escape the In a further bid to push intense summer heat in the big cities tourism, the ATDD has launched a new flight that connects Ajman to its neighbouring stunning scenery, wild honey and historic to attract more foreign visitors and emirates. The nine-seater seaplane fortress. Cradled by the Hajar Mounthere is a host of new developments will fly from Ajman to Dubai Creek tains, Masfout has long been known already underway within the city. every day, with residents and tourists as a hiker’s dream and is a favourite Ajman Holding is currently develable to make special bookings in order among those seeking to escape the oping Mirkaaz Mall, a US$136 million to fly to any destination in the UAE. intense summer heat in the big cities.

(AED499.5 million) project expected With the ATDD working hard to Traditionally more than half of to attract more than 10 million visitors attract more tourists, the hospitalAjman’s visitors come from the UAE, a year once it opens in late 2019. The ity industry has reacted too, with the the GCC and other Arab nations, but complex will feature international stores, 179-room Wyndham Garden Ajman the Ajman Tourism Development a traditional souk, and an atrium roof to Corniche scheduled to open this year.

Department (ATDD) is working hard provide natural light within the mall.

Ajman skyline

Ajman may be the smallest emirate in the UAE but it remains a popular escape from the bustling bigger cities thanks to its palm-lined sandy beaches, mountains and mangroves.

An attractive getaway for those seeking rest and relaxation, there is plenty to tempt travellers of all ages. Ajman City offers museums and malls as well as numerous picturesque beaches, while Al Manama is known for its

Bahrain

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) / ME1410

Al-Fateh Mosque

Bahrain has one of the largest mosques in the world, Al-Fateh Mosque, which covers an area of 6,500 square metres and can accommodate 7,000 worshippers Bahrain may be the smallest country in the Arabian Gulf, but the nation comprising 33 islands has much to offer. Thanks to a storied history there is no end of cultural attractions, while the year-round warm climate and attractive coastline have long made it an alluring holiday hotspot.

Those with an interest in architecture and ancient civilisations will want to visit Bahrain Fort, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2005. With excavations having been carried out since 1954, the accompanying museum is full of artefacts dating as far back as 2,300 BCE. Equally impressive is the stunning Al-Fateh Mosque, which can accommodate more than 7,000 worshippers.

With excavations having been carried out since 1954, the Bahrain Fort museum is full of artefacts dating as far back as 2,300 BCE

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With much to offer, Bahrain has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure in recent years. The Bahrain Economic Development Board released figures this year showing that US$13 billion (BHD4.9 billion) has been invested across 14 projects in the tourism sector, including the recently opened 263-room Wyndham Grand Manama.

This means that there are now 18 five-star hotels across the kingdom, with five more four- and five-star hotels set to open in the coming years. One of these is the 167-room Jumeirah Royal Saray, which opened in February.

All of this development is intended to support the growing number of tourists visiting Bahrain, which reached 8.7 million during the first nine months of 2017 – a 12.8 percent increase from the same period in 2016.

With tourism contributing 6.3 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, Bahrain is keen to attract higher numbers by investing US$1.1 billion (BHD414.7 million) in the modernisation of Bahrain International Airport. The initial expansion is set to be completed by 2020 and will increase the facility’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year.

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Destinations

China

The Three Gorges Dam is the largest ever built and is five times larger than the Hoover Dam in the US. It contains 39.3 cubic kilometres of water

China National Tourist Office in Singapore / AS2080

A country so vast that there are wildly different extremes in dialect, climate and terrain, the People’s Republic of China is like several countries rolled into one.

Whether it’s the futuristic feel of ultramodern Beijing, a fascinating journey along the Silk Road, or a night at Everest base camp, there are unique experiences to be had throughout the nation.

For those seeking stunning scenery, few countries are able to offer as much diversity as China. There are sapphire lakes, majestic mountains, forests and never-ending deserts in Inner Mongolia. There is also 14,000 kilometres of coastline to explore, as well as the iconic Great Wall of China. And the historic treasures continue with the world-famous Terracotta Army at Xi’an and the Forbidden City in Beijing, which prove to be equally as popular as the country’s ultra-modern attractions.

According to a report from the National Tourism Administration, China’s tourism industry boomed in 2017 as 69.5 million inbound visits were recorded in the first six months of the year, compared to 67.87 million in 2016.

In comparison, there were 62.3 million

outbound visits during the same time period, though this figure is expected to rise rapidly as only 8.7 percent of the population currently has a passport.

The GCC proved particularly attractive to Chinese tourists, with the six countries gaining 1.9 percent of China’s total outbound market in 2017. The UAE saw a 20 percent increase in arrivals, while Saudi Arabia had a 35 percent increase on 2016 figures. With both outbound and inbound tourism booming, the country has plans to build an astonishing 136 airports by 2025, with China’s capital set to open a new US$13 billion (CNY81 billion) airport by October 2019. The new Beijing Airport is expected to serve an initial 45 million passengers a year, with an eventual capacity of 100 million.

The hospitality industry is also responding to increased tourism with several new hotels set to open across the country in 2018. These include the Banyan Tree Anji, The Ritz-Carlton Xian, The Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou Valley, The Bulgari Hotel in Shanghai, The St. Regis Zhuhai, Jumeirah Nanjing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, The Chedi Ninghai in Zhejiang and the Rosewood Guangzhou.

Fujairah

Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority / ME4210

The emirate where the mountains meet the sea, Fujairah has long been viewed as the ideal weekend getaway thanks to its unique landscape, host of historical attractions and long stretches of immaculate coastline.

Located on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah is a magnet for residents from the larger emirates seeking a relaxing staycation. As the only emirate situated on the Indian Ocean, it has become a hub for those seeking to scuba dive, snorkel or just relax in the crystal clear waters.

Visitors can also gain a sense of the country’s history thanks to the numerous ancient sights in the city. The Al Bidya Mosque dates back to 1446 and is the

country’s oldest place of worship, while the wonderfully restored Fujairah Fort, and the expansive village surrounding it, also offer a glimpse into the past. The fort, which dates back to the 16th century, also boasts stunning views of the entire city thanks to its position perched on a hill.

Located right next door to the fort is Fujairah Museum, which features more than 3,000 artefacts, including weapons from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Hajar Mountains are also just a short drive away and there you will

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For those seeking stunning scenery, few countries offer as much diversity as China.

There are sapphire lakes, majestic mountains, forests and never-ending deserts

The Great Wall of China

Known for its pristine beaches, Fujairah’s coastline extends 90 kilometres along the Gulf of Oman

discover the popular Wadi al-Wurayah and the Al Hayl Fort, which was constructed close to 200 years ago.

With a healthy influx of both domestic and international tourists, Fujairah’s hospitality industry has been expanding with a number of hotels opening in recent years. The Fujairah Statistics Centre revealed that around 764,000 people stayed in the emirate’s 21 hotels in 2016 and since then the 180-room Fairmont Beach Resort and 190-room InterContinental Resort have opened too.

Meanwhile Dibba Al Fujairah, the second-largest city in the emirate, has plans to open an exhibition centre in August 2018, which the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes will boost the local economy and tourism.

Travelling to the emirate from within the UAE is set to become easier thanks to the construction of Hamad bin Abdullah Road, a six-kilometre, three-lane highway costing US$68.7 million (AED 252.3 million), due to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

Fujairah skyline

The Al Bidya Mosque dates back to 1446 and is the country’s oldest place of worship, while the wonderfully restored Fujairah Fort also offers a glimpse into the past

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Destinations

Indonesia

The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia / AS2650

Indonesia is home to 261.1million people, making it the fourth most populous country on the planet. It is also home to the world’s biggest Muslim population, at around 225 million

Pura Ulun Danu temple on Lake Beratan, Bali

From Sumatra’s western tip to Papua’s eastern edge, Indonesia is a vastly diverse country made up of more than 17,000 islands. It is a land of so many different languages, landscapes, cultures, customs and cuisine that each visit delivers a totally unique experience.

The beaches of Bali are world-renowned, the sprawling capital city of Jakarta is a cosmopolitan hub while on the lesservisited island of Sumatra you will find orangutans and elephants roaming the dense forest that is offset by the 100 volcanoes which dominate the skyline.

Kuwait

Indonesia has also carved out a reputation as one of the best spots for diving, with the West Papua province home to 2,000 species of reef fish. Those brave enough can also go in search of the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon. Weighing up to 150 pounds and possessing a toxic bite, they only exist on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Padar.

With so much to discover, Indonesia has long been a popular tourist destination, with Bali in particular drawing visitors from around the world.

Kuwait Ministry of Information - Tourism Sector / ME1310

Kuwait business district

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Indonesia has carved out a reputation as one of the best spots for diving, with the West Papua province home to 2,000 species of reef fish. Here you will find 75 percent of all the world’s known coral species

In recent years, the backpacker haven has provided some 40 percent of Indonesia’s overall foreign tourist arrivals.

However, late last year the eruption of Bali’s Mount Agung volcano led to foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia dropping for the first time since December 2005.

In order to boost tourism numbers, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is looking to China, with Bali receiving 1.43 million Chinese tourists in the first 11 months of 2017, which accounted for around 25 percent of the total number of foreign tourists visiting Bali throughout the period. Intensive promotions are being offered across China as Indonesia looks to attract 17 million foreign visitors in 2018.

In order to try and achieve these numbers, President Joko Widodo has promised to invest US$450 billion (IDR6.2 trillion) in infrastructure development through to 2019. Part of this investment will go toward the country’s first high-speed railway, connecting Jakarta with Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java.

The hospitality industry is also gearing up for rising tourism numbers, with eight hotels planned to open this year including AYANA Komodo and Fairfield by Marriott Bali.

The Kuwaiti dinar, the official currency of Kuwait, is the highest-valued currency in the world

Steeped in Middle Eastern culture, Kuwait contains an array of excellent museums, cultural attractions, colourful souqs and tempting restaurants. But the Gulf nation also has an eye firmly on the future as it looks to draw in more visitors.

Major investment in the capital Kuwait City has resulted Outside of the city there in a sleek modern hub. Its modern towers loom over is a pristine coastline a picturesque corniche, that is dotted with while the impressive Jaber Al Ahmad luxury beachside resorts Sheikh Cultural Centre houses a and high-end hotels performing arts centre, that are proving to be concert halls, cinemas and a conference centre. increasingly popular with Outside of the visitors to the country bustling city, there is a pristine coastline that is dotted with luxury beachside resorts and high-end hotels which are proving to be increasingly popular with visitors to the country.

Currently, tourism in Kuwait provides around 2 percent to the national economy, however, there are plans to raise this number to 4 percent in the coming years thanks to heavy investment in infrastructure.

Construction of a new US$4.3

billion (KWD1.29 billion) passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport is well underway, with the 708,000 square metre extension on course to be fully operational within the next six years. When completed, the airport will be capable of handling 25 million passengers a year.

Last year also saw Kuwait boost its hotel offering with the addition of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya and Ramada Encore Kuwait Downtown.

The Kuwait Al Kout project, the nation’s largest waterfront retail and entertainment leisure destination, has also entered its final phase of construction and is set to open this year. The US$407 million (KWD122.3 million) project will house 360 stores and a 12-screen theatre complex, and stretches across a 1.6 kilometre seafront in the Fahaheel area to the south. The mall will also house a Sea Family Entertainment Centre and the first ever Q8 Karting, the largest indoor track of its kind in the Middle East.

The host of new projects are all in line with Kuwait’s vision to overhaul its economy by 2035, transforming the nation into a business and cultural hub through strategic development.

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Destinations

Philippines

The Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is the largest of all eagles and was declared the national bird of the Philippines in 1985

Philippines Department of Tourism / AS2320

El Nido, Palawan

From remote beaches to hidden lagoons inside volcanoes, the Philippines is an island-hopping paradise. With more than 7,000 islands that each have their own unique character, there is a destination to suit all in this eclectic country.

While famed for its stretches of picturesque coastline, there is so much more to the country, with the bustling metropolitan city of Manila offering a diverse experience thanks to its blend of modern developments and heritage districts.

Within Metro Manila, the district of Rizal Park houses the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural History, while a trip to Manila’s oldest district, Intramuros, is a must for history buffs as the area was constructed in 1571 during the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines. Known as the Walled City, it contains the famed San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those seeking a glimpse into the country’s history, Luzon, the largest

Slovenia

Slovenian Tourist Board / EU6620

Lush green valleys, majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes are all part of Slovenia’s unique charm. Despite being one of Europe’s smaller destinations, the picture-perfect country boasts a diverse offering that is seeing tourism statistics soar.

Last year saw record-breaking travellers numbers coming into Slovenia, with August figures alone setting new tourism highs with almost 2.2 million overnight stays, a jump of 12 percent on August 2016 figures. The bumper month also saw around 764,000 arrivals, an increase of 13 percent on the same

Bled Lake, Island

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time the previous year. Key markets for the Eastern European country include Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

From the beginning of 2017 to the end of August, 8.8 million overnight stays were recorded in tourist accommodation in Slovenia – 12 percent more than in the same period last year. Of that number, foreign tourists generated almost six million overnight stays, 17 percent more than the previous year.

and most populous island, has an array of Spanish-colonial landmarks, national memorials and monuments. Meanhile, tourists looking for white sandy beaches are spoilt for choice with Palawan and Boracay two of the leading spots for sun, sea and relaxation.

According to the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, the country welcomed 6.8 million tourists in 2017, up 15 percent on the previous year. Another positive factor was the significant improvement in daily spend, which was estimated at US$133 (PHP6,920), and the length of stay, which improved to an average of six days.

With relations between Beijing and Manila improving, arrivals from China reached close to one million in 2017, while

South Korea remained the number one source market with close to 1.5 million arrivals. However, the Department of Tourism expects China to become the leading market by 2019 and is hopeful that visitor arrivals will reach 12 million by 2022.

With tourism thriving, the hospitality sector has responded, with the Grand Hyatt Manila marking the brand’s first entry into the market. The 461-room hotel tops the tallest skyscraper in the Philippines at 1,043 feet. The popular tourist resort of Cebu is also set to welcome more hotels with The Ascott Limited planning to open Citadines Cebu City in 2019 and Somerset Gorordo by 2021, while Double Dragon has disclosed plans to build several Jinjiang hotels.

Tourists looking for white sandy beaches are spoilt for choice with Palawan and Boracay, two of the leading spots for sun, sea and relaxation

A remarkable 53.6 percent of Slovenia is protected land, a higher percentage than any nation in the world except for Venezuela

With such incredible variety on offer, it’s easy to see why Slovenia’s tourism proposition is going from strength to strength. Its cosmopolitan capital Ljubljana is a bustling city, nestled between an ancient castle and the pretty Ljubljanica river.

Take a seat at any one of the quaint riverside cafes and soak up the lively atmosphere, or stroll through the streets stopping at the many museums

Slovenia’s countryside is simply stunning, with the picturesque Lake Bled top of most visitor itineraries

and galleries along the way. Beyond the capital, Slovenia’s countryside is simply stunning with the picturesque Lake Bled top of most visitor itineraries.

The glacial lake is surrounded by mountains and forests while a little island, at the centre of the waterway, crowns the scene. Medieval Bled Castle stands above the lake on the north shore, while the sprawling Zaka Valley lies to the west.

Elsewhere, Kranjska Gora is Slovenia’s premier ski resort in the northwest, close to the lakes of the majestic Triglav National Park. Choose from 18 slopes of varying difficulty at altitudes from 800 metres to 1,215 metres. The wintry landscape here is also home to cafes and restaurants, with activities that go well beyond skiing including ice climbing, snow biking and ice-skating.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is the country’s main hub and is the home base of Adria Airways, Slovenia’s flagship airline. In April 2017, the airport operator announced plans to expand the existing terminal from 500 passengers per hour to 1,280 passengers per hour. Expansion works are expected to be completed by spring 2020.

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Destinations

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau / AS2550

The tropical island of Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for holidaymakers thanks to its incredible diversity. Renowned for its unspoiled beaches along 1,330 kilometres of coastline, tourists can visit Buddhist temples, explore one of the country’s 15 national parks, eight UNESCO world heritage sites or 500,00 acres of lush tea estates.

The bustling capital of Colombo is a great place to explore local markets and buy colourful clothes and precious gemstones, while the east coast city of Arugam Bay has become a popular surfing destination. Thrill seekers will discover white water rafting opportunities in Kitugula, while whale watching tours and scuba diving adventures are widespread across Galle. There are also a number of national parks where you will discover elephants, water buffalo, a wide variety of exotic birds and even leopards.

Its appeal to a huge cross section has seen Sri Lanka experience a tourism boom in recent years, with an alltime high of 2,116,407 people travelling to the island during 2017. The latest figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority show that arrival figures for last year represented a 3.2 percent growth over the preceding year when

The bustling capital of Colombo is a great place to explore local markets and buy colourful clothes and precious gemstones numbers crossed two million for the very first time. Even during the generally quieter and colder month of December there was an 8.8 percent growth rate, with 244,536 tourists visiting the country.

These impressive numbers came despite the country’s main airport suffering partial closure from January to April of last year, leading to a number of airlines scaling down their operations. The Sri Lankan government hopes it can alleviate some of the problems at the Bandaranaike International Airport with the construction of a pre-fabricated terminal, set to open this year, that could handle 3.5 million passengers per annum.

This would provide a much-needed fix as the US$600 million (LKR91.2 billion) expansion, which will eventually allow the airport to handle 15 million passengers annually, will not be completed until at least 2022.

UK

Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill

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Sunset at Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s hospitality scene is also growing in an effort to meet the increased demand. The Shangri-La Colombo opened in October last year, while the eco-orientated Alila Koggala is due to open this summer. Luxury brand Sheraton is also set to open two new complexes, with a hotel in Colombo and the Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort planned to launch this September.

The island nation is also targeting the international MICE market, and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has been established in order to entice business and event planners to the country. It concentrates on championing Sri Lanka as an affordable, accessible and modern alternative to more traditional global destinations.

Built around 3,000 BCE, Stonehenge has stood on England’s Salisbury Plain for more than 5,000 years and is older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt

VisitBritain / EU6830

As one of the most diverse destinations in Europe, the United Kingdom is able to offer everything from ancient castles and rugged landscapes to mountains, lakes, remote villages and bustling cities. History is of course one of the biggest draws and the country - made up of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales - is home to more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them are Stonehenge, the mysterious neolithic monument in Wiltshire that dates back 5,000 years.

Adam’s Peak is the most sacred mountain in the country, with Buddhist’s believing that it is home to the footprint of Buddha

When it comes to breathtaking natural sites, the north of Scotland boasts the highest peaks in the country and the stunning landscapes of the Highlands and Islands, which are peppered with ancient castles and settlements.

England’s Lake District is another scenic spot, where rolling hills and pretty lakes make for picture-perfect areas to explore, while Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline is simply spectacular and has been recently used as a location for major film and television productions.

The main cities each have something different to offer. London, the UK capital, is one of the world’s most visited destinations packed with things to see and do from the London Eye to Westminster Abbey and the Tate Modern art gallery.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a cultural and historic hub with a lively arts and entertainment scene. Its historic areas have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Edinburgh Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into life here centuries ago.

Meanwhile, Wales is famed for its rolling valleys and proud cultural identity.

Overseas visitors flocked to Britain in record numbers last year, with 30.1 million visiting from January to September, up 7 percent on 2016. The number of visitors from China increased by a whopping 33 percent to 268,000 and overseas visits from Spain grew by 11 percent to reach 1.9 million. Meanwhile, record spending was also seen from German visitors, who paid out £1.3 billion while in the UK during the first nine months of last year.

When it comes to breathtaking natural sites, the north of Scotland boasts the highest peaks in the country and the stunning landscapes of the Highlands and Islands

4/23/18 10:24 PM

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Vox Pops

What the exhibitors say...

THE VISION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT We are always thrilled by the opportunity to meet and mingle at ATM, and being the official ground handling partner, we can showcase our services and hospitality better. In the first part of 2018, we have had a series of back-to-back events and embarked on an expansion plan that will give us offices in five strategic locations worldwide. This will help us enhance inbound traffic for high-end leisure and corporate events from all over the world.

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THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA Tourism development is one of the Indonesian government’s priorities because of its impact on many sectors. The Middle East is one of our focus markets, so participating in ATM is a great way to promote our beautiful country. This year, we are showcasing destinations in Indonesia such as Aceh, West Sumatra, East Java and Bali.

We really hope our participation in ATM will provide huge benefits to our tourism sector.

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HILTON RAS AL KHAIMAH RESORT & SPA 2018 is a year of great change for us at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. In February, we completed a full refurbishment of our 151 villas, many of which have the beach at their doorstep.

We opened the new SOL Beach Lounge & Bar, and will be opening the contemporary Lebanese restaurant Al Maeda just in time for Ramadan. These multiple projects are part of our plan to position the resort as a true getaway destination. We look forward to showcasing these new offerings at ATM.

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DUBAI AIRPORTS Arabian Travel Market is a great opportunity for Dubai Airports to showcase all we have achieved in the past 12 months. So far we have been highlighting our groundbreaking Time Out DXB magazine, bringing colour and energy to our stand through performances from our musicDXB artists and culture thanks to our artDXB initiatives. Our stand is designed to give our industry colleagues a taste of what our customers experience at DXB.

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LIGIA BRASOVEANU Hotel Manager

HELEN MELLOR-MITCHELL Vice President – Brand Engagement & Communications

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CENTRAL HOTELS ATM is a great chance to highlight Central Hotels’ widening reach by securing new business partners to operate and manage existing and upcoming projects. As well as promoting our current and future properties, we are keen to strengthen relationships with travel agents, OTAs, tour operators, DMCs, wholesalers and other travel trade professionals. We are also eager to see the latest innovations transforming the whole travel chain – from the growth of digital technology to artificial intelligence.

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SAUDI EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION BUREAU (SECB) ATM is a great opportunity for SECB to show attendees how Saudi Arabia can host their meetings. The kingdom is at the heart of the Arabic and Islamic worlds, it is a pioneering powerhouse and it is a hub that connects three continents. At SECB, we are creating an environment for business events that will attract tourism, investment and knowledge to the country.

Our vision is to transform Saudi Arabia into a major global destination for meetings.

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ABDULLA AL ABDULLA Chairman

ANWAR A.Z. ABU MONASSAR Destination Director – Strategy & Operation

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TARIQ A. AL ESSA Chief Executive Officer

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A selection of regional and international exhibitors share their goals and ambitions for this year’s Arabian Travel Market

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MUHAMMAD CHBIB Founder & CEO

AMMAR HILAL General Manager

CHRISTOPHE SCHNYDER General Manager

EMIEL VAN DIJK General Manager

TAJAWAL Tajawal was created to serve Middle Eastern travellers using our strong understanding of local consumers’ behaviours and needs. ATM is a great opportunity to meet with our partners and suppliers from all over the globe, and add a personal touch to our interactions. We are already seeing a lot of impact from our presence at ATM, in terms of getting suppliers and partners excited about our journey, meeting destination companies and building more in-depth relationships.

FAIRMONT DUBAI Having recently celebrated Fairmont Dubai’s 16th anniversary, participating at ATM offers us excellent networking opportunities to further strengthen our relationships with existing and new partners, and to share our latest news with the travel community. With the full integration of Fairmont into AccorHotels, we will leverage the strength of this acclaimed brand and tap into its significant resources. Arabian Travel Market will be a key platform for us to accomplish this.

SOFITEL THE PALM DUBAI Arabian Travel Market is the most important trade show for Sofitel The Palm Dubai, as it allows us to strengthen ties with our international partners and to showcase the Palm Jumeirah property to new and interested parties. As Sofitel The Palm Dubai celebrates its fifth year of operation in 2018, Arabian Travel Market also provides us with the perfect chance to update our partners on the various innovations that we have implemented, and to thank them for their tremendous support during this time.

SWISSÔTEL AL GHURAIR & SWISSÔTEL LIVING AL GHURAIR ATM is an excellent platform for us to introduce our property as the first Swissôtel in the UAE, and highlight it as one of AccorHotels’ upscale brands.

We aim to make a mark in the Middle East’s fast-growing hospitality sector by focusing on our brand attributes of vitality, sustainability and Swissness. We are expecting abundant results from our first ATM, which will surely highlight our property as a key destination for visitors in Dubai.

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WHE R E W I S E MEN T URNE D T HE D ESERT G REEN y o u can still find t he i r a n c i e n t i r r i g a t i o n s y s t e m s , giv ing life to acres o f p alm-fringed tranquility.

L o o k up and you’ll see the fruit of those settlers w ho man aged to bring water and s trength where once the re w as only sand.

Stand No.: ME 2155 | ME 2252 | Hall 2

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